"Today is a proud and historic day for our nation. Congress has confirmed its third female Supreme Court Justice and its first Latina woman to the highest court in our land.

"I want to congratulate Judge Sotomayor for this achievement and for her grace under fire as she had her judicial record closely scrutinized over the past 10 weeks. Not only did she handle herself with poise, but with her keen intellect and impeccable record, she won over the hearts and minds of members of Congress. I also want to thank the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee for giving her a fair hearing and for bringing her nomination to a vote in a timely manner.

"Judge Sotomayor's story serves as an inspiration to us all. She is the daughter of working-class Puerto Rican parents who grew up in public housing in the Bronx. Driven by her mother's belief in the power of education and her unrelenting work ethic, she excelled in school and won a scholarship to Princeton University and later attended Yale Law. Today she is one of the most qualified and experienced Justices sitting on the Supreme Court. Her story demonstrates that anything is possible in this wonderful country and that the American Dream is alive and well.

"I also want to applaud President Obama for choosing Judge Sotomayor. His choice demonstrates his commitment to bring greater diversity of thought, perspective and experience to the nation's legal system. It's a pleasure and an honor to serve for him.

"Today is not only a great day for Judge Sonia Sotomayor but is a wonderful milestone in our country's history."